Mark Vandelli: My parents disowned me because of Made In Chelsea

Made In Chelsea’s Mark-Francis Vandelli has confessed that his parents said they would stop talking to him if he appeared on a reality show, but insists he is glad he chose to appear on the E4 show anyway.

Mark-Francis Vandelli gives a trademark toothy smile in Made In Chelsea (Picture: YouTube)

Vandelli said of Made In Chelsea: ‘My mother told me that if I ever got involved in reality TV then that would be the end of our relationship. My father said the same. So I really wanted to just do something for myself and kind of test how far it could go.

He added to BANG Showbiz: ‘It goes without saying they eventually forgave me anyway. I’m their only son, I’m hard to forget.’

The rambunctious Made In Chelsea star admitted he can see similarities between his show and The Only Way Is Essex, but believes he is ‘a million miles away’ from his TOWIE peers.

Vandelli said: ‘I am from an incredibly privileged and blessed background and I wanted to do something for myself.

‘I was very careful not to tarnish my parents’ reputation though, which is why I refused to give away too much. I never imagined I would get involved in reality TV but I am about as far away from things like The Only Way Is Essex as you could imagine.

‘I will never regret it but I understand how the public requires people to be put into categories with things like this.’